Mercedes SL Facelift Uncovered

After being on the market for 6 years, the current generation R230 SL-Class is set for its midlife major facelift. Here now are photos showing the next SL without any disguise, just a few pieces of black tape were removed from the car by computer. Besides a revamped interior design, the most dramatic change will be the CLS-Class style headlamps together with a new front bumper fascia in addition to a new front grille with a single bar moulding/emblem. On the rear, new LED tailamps and a restyled rear bumper fascia. Engines are likely to remain the same, but rumours are talking about a turbocharged version of the 350 engine with 354 bhp. Top of the SL range will be the well known biturbo V12 SL 65 AMG with 612 bhp. The 2009 SL-Class with its debut expected for this March at the Geneva Motor Show will have its market launch towards the end of 2008. The next generation SL-Class is expected to hit in 2012.


Read Article

Czelinski - 11/27/2007 10:38:15 AM

+2 Boost

ONLY a photoshop. So anti MB people, please don't waste your time criticising.

Hyundai - 11/27/2007 10:41:58 AM

+3 Boost

I don't know what to think..

EL34 - 11/27/2007 10:43:00 AM

+3 Boost

Just another bad photoshop.

Jag_xfr - 11/27/2007 11:25:07 AM

-1 Boost

New SL is still not a patch on a Jaguar XKR!!!!!

S4cabriofoxone - 11/27/2007 6:52:49 PM

+1 Boost

XKR has 40 more horsepower than the SL550, but is still less expensive and much better-looking.

Just had to point that out.

Jag_xfr - 11/27/2007 11:39:20 AM

-2 Boost

A new 5.0 V8 will be available in the XK soon, and even the Sl55 AMG will be blown into the weeds! The new XF is introducing some of Jags new gadgets, overall things are starting to look pretty sweet for Jag: )

vman1013 - 11/27/2007 12:00:47 PM

+2 Boost

Get real!! Jag XK is the pretty girl at the prom but she doesnt cut it in the bed!! I saw one having a hell of a time out running a NY Transit bus down Lexington Ave.

enthusiastx11 - 11/27/2007 1:37:31 PM

+1 Boost

keep dreaming...

the jags are great looking but sorely lacking in performance terms relative to ANY sl.

Rupert - 11/27/2007 4:56:37 PM

+1 Boost

That's why M-B has an Sl63 amg coming out!! Jaguar is left behind yet again!

S4cabriofoxone - 11/27/2007 6:55:26 PM

+1 Boost

Guys, I don't know if you realize this.

Jaguar XKR: 420hp
Mercedes-Benz SL550: 380hp

Jaguar XKR (convertible): $92,700
Mercedes-Benz SL550: $96,075

And obviously, that's pre-facelift. I assume Merc will jack it up a few grand for '09, as is their tradition.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 11/27/2007 7:34:56 PM

0 Boost

S4

Have you heard the line " You Get What You Pay For" ?

I would get a used SL 55 as opposed to a new XKR

The Performance Sl are the 55, 63 and 65 AMG models or the 600 V12

So stop comparing XKRs to SL550s

And don't gimme the Price Schpiel : )

S4cabriofoxone - 11/27/2007 11:31:03 PM

+1 Boost

The price schpiel WORKS. If they have similar power and similar pricing, they should be compared! And the XKR is closer in power to the SL550 than the SL55, let alone price!

1uberaudi - 11/27/2007 12:03:17 PM

+1 Boost

Great! They are all going to the C (no)class look with the ostentatious giant star on the front. How original?!?

w209w114 - 11/27/2007 3:13:54 PM

0 Boost

Please. you wish. The low end C-Class looks better than this photoshop. Maybe youre that stupid in believing their high end sports car will look like this but Mercedes-Benz surely isnt.

Czelinski - 11/27/2007 12:03:42 PM

+2 Boost

"A new 5.0 V8 will be available in the XK soon, and even the Sl55 AMG will be blown into the weeds"

SL65, ohh...XK will be blown into the weeds.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 11/27/2007 7:38:57 PM

+1 Boost

Forget the SL55 the AMG 63 Powerplant in the SL will have the XKR Weeping.

mini22 - 11/27/2007 12:10:32 PM

+2 Boost

Rear looks like the rear of the baby SLK.I think that's a bad move. Front is OK.I think Jaguar makes a prettier car.

Czelinski - 11/27/2007 12:45:37 PM

0 Boost

What is wrong with you people, did you not read the article? this IS NOT what will look like, it's a PHOTOSHOP. You can't compare it to other companies until it's officially exposed.

JUGNU - 11/27/2007 3:11:01 PM

+2 Boost

Current one looks better to me.

btw isn't the SL got a faclift at the end of last year. Recieved some exterior modifications like new wheels,bumpers,sme exterior touches...etc and new 5.5 V8 engine.

What the hell. So the recentley tweaked SL550 will loose value again. In 2 years.

JUGNU

S4cabriofoxone - 11/27/2007 6:57:07 PM

+3 Boost

Well, it's OBVIOUS that this is extremely close to how the real model will look, because we've all seen very revealing spy shots. It will have the one-bar grille and huge star, and it will have these headlights.

And sadly, I don't like it. They ruined a classic design. The dual-ring headlamps work perfectly. This just doesn't.

KZ258 - 11/27/2007 8:36:36 PM

+2 Boost

i definitely prefer the previous design over this but i'm sure in time this new look will grow on everyone

pchera01 - 11/27/2007 9:43:32 PM

+1 Boost

its ugly

MunichRob - 11/28/2007 12:53:59 AM

+2 Boost

Yeah I don't see the CLS headlights working on the SL & the single bar grill approach makes the car look older.

trancier - 11/28/2007 2:54:09 AM

+1 Boost

I don't like the front end. much prefer the look/style of the V8 Vantage. but allegedly these aren't too reliable.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/28/2007 8:03:29 PM

+1 Boost

And they're also $30K more expensive.

Incomparable.

MunichRob - 11/28/2007 8:12:31 PM

+1 Boost

WHAT! Are you saying every SL model will come in $30k more expensive than the pre-facelift SL?

MunichRob - 11/28/2007 8:13:44 PM

+1 Boost

Oh wait I just realized you were replying to trancier's Vantage comparison.

993Turbo - 11/30/2007 8:09:56 AM

+1 Boost

EIWWW! Looks like a cayenne!